Seattle Sounders close to new contract with USMNT midfielder Cristian Roldan | OneFootball

The Seattle Sounders are close to agreeing a new contract with key midfielder Cristian Roldan, according to reports.

Roldan has been with the Sounders for nearly eight years since first joining the club in January 2015. Since then, the midfielder has gone on to make 279 appearances across all competitions and lifted two MLS Cup titles and the 2022 Concacaf Champions League.

The 27-year-old has established himself as a key player in Brian Schmetzer's midfield while also providing versatility as a make-shift full-back and winger on occasion.

Given his experience and pedigree, it's vital the Sounders keep Roldan around with a Fifa Club World Cup to come and the Rave Green looking to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs after missing out for the first time in their history last season.

According to Niko Moreno of MLS Español, Sounder at Heart, and Pulso Sports, Roldan is on the verge of signing a new five-year deal that will keep him at Lumen Field through the 2028 MLS season. Moreno added that Seattle had to fight off interest in Roldan from multiple clubs within the league.

On the international stage, Roldan is capped 32 times at senior level for the United States and was a part of Gregg Berhalter's 2022 World Cup roster alongside teammate Jordan Morris, though he didn't see the field at the tournament.

Tying the midfielder down to a new deal will mark another important step in Seattle's winter preparations following the signing of Brazilian striker Heber from NYCFC earlier this week.